The order includes options for 11 additional CS300s, which would increase the total order to $1.26 billion if confirmed. The CS300, a 130- to 160-seat aircraft, is Bombardier's new narrow body entry into the smaller aircraft segment, seen as a competitor to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

Wednesday's order by the state-run Iraqi carrier brings the total number of confirmed CSeries orders to 182 for Bombardier.

The CSeries is scheduled to enter service in 2014 after a yearlong flight-testing program. Bombardier is promoting the aircraft as featuring a clean sheet design with a carbon fiber composite airframe powered by the new Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines. The Canadian manufacturer expects to have 300 firm orders for the CSeries by the time it enters into service next year.

“Following the successful utilization of our six CRJ900 NextGen aircraft over the past few years, the acquisition of the CS300 aircraft will complement our network operations and allow us to expand into new markets,” said Captain Saad Al-Khafaji, CEO and director general, Iraqi Airways. “The CS300 aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency and comfortable, wide body-like cabin will permit us to respond to growing passenger demand and reach destinations across the Middle East, Northern Africa and Europe.”